OK I'm not talking about a "real fight" situation because, being small in stature (5'1), I don't plan to stand and fight anyone big. If "someone big" comes after me, he is going to end up a big person on a crutch after I wreck his knee.

I mean in a sparring match...
What approach do you guys use to handle bigger opponents? I find that if I stay close to them I take away their reach advantage and can use my speed and flexibility, BUT I find people who are both both tall AND fast really tough to fight. They can quickly retreat to re-create distance or counter. So what's a little person to do? LMAO I'm using the term "little person" strictly in the non-midget sense, although I feel compelled to do the PC there is nothing wrong with being a midge...I mean a "little person" &lt;img src=icon_smile_clown.gif border=0 align=middle>

I have a friend at our school who is only 5'4", and he has to wait for the right moment and slip inside to deliver his techniques. He does pretty well, considering that some of his opponents are from 5" to 10" taller then he is. Usually he has to wait for them to throw a technique, kicks are best because his opponents balance will afford him the opportunity to move in.

Knowing it is not enough, we must apply.
Willing is not enough, we must do.

Knowing it is not enough, we must apply.
Willing is not enough, we must do.

Never approach a Bull from the front, a Horse from the rear, or a Fool from any direction!

I'm assuming this is like a TKD, Karate, Kung Fu type of sparring match right? I'm 5'11, but I was always always pittied against taller opponents, I sparred against little guys too and I didn't really have any trouble fighting them grill to grill because that's what I do regardless of your size anyways.

OK I'm not talking about a "real fight" situation because, being small in stature (5'1), I don't plan to stand and fight anyone big. If "someone big" comes after me, he is going to end up a big person on a crutch after I wreck his knee.

I mean in a sparring match...
What approach do you guys use to handle bigger opponents? I find that if I stay close to them I take away their reach advantage and can use my speed and flexibility, BUT I find people who are both both tall AND fast really tough to fight. They can quickly retreat to re-create distance or counter. So what's a little person to do? LMAO I'm using the term "little person" strictly in the non-midget sense, although I feel compelled to do the PC there is nothing wrong with being a midge...I mean a "little person" &lt;img src=icon_smile_clown.gif border=0 align=middle>

When it comes to grappling, I think bigger people have a clear advantage. Skill alone is good, but if you can add mass to that equation then it's pretty intimidating.

For striking, I'd say that size difference isn't all that relative compared to skill. Most people that train with bags go for the sweet spots against targets at their own height. Their own head, solor plexus, groin, knees, etc... . Equipment like the speed bag is positioned "higher" than you. On the other hand you should try shadow boxing with these targets ranged a foot shorter than you are. Kicking isn't too affected, but when you start trying to punch "down", then you'll find it messes up your composure, posture, etc... .

I don't think sparring gives any material advantage to a taller or shorter person.